The next day was a hassle. Drake imagined the previous day had been hectic too, but he was asleep through much of it so he really didn't know.

“There you are,” Garnet greeted as she walked over. “I've been looking for you... did you sleep all day again?” She gave a bit of a smile that looked as if she were trying to hide it.

Drake nodded. “Everything is so dull here...”

He got a glare from one of the event planners below.

“What?” Drake asked, looking at the woman. “Can't take criticism? You should be happy with the suggestion made before the party begins and be thankful I’m not one of the asses who would wait till there was no hope of change before griping. There are four people asleep within my sight.”

The woman looked annoyed at him, but then looked around. She shouted a few orders and everyone got very busy again.

Garnet giggled, “Maybe you should try sleeping at night?”

Drake smiled a bit as he watched the people below. He didn't take Garnet's question to heart… and he’d heard it so many times. “Are you ready?”

Garnet nodded. “Are you sure they won't notice?”

Drake shook his head. “I am fairly sure your guards are used to the fact that my guards can't keep track of me, and thanks to your orders I'm more than welcome to come and go as I please.”

“Yes, they've all been informed of that. I have a five-minute opening where no one will be watching my balcony. I have to say, I wish I could just walk outside...” Garnet sighed.

“Yes, that would make this easier, but given the security here I doubt they'll allow you to leave.” Drake agreed, glancing around to see if anyone was paying more attention to him than he'd have liked. Just one person overhearing this conversation could destroy their entire escape.

“It all seemed like such a simple plan yesterday.” Garnet felt a bit guilty about that... If they could just tell Steiner and Beatrix this wouldn't be an issue at all.

“It will still work.” Drake assured her, his eyes looking bored as they swept the room. No one was really watching them; everyone was far too busy with other tasks. He did see Eclipse though and the man gave him a sharp look and turned toward the exit. “I have to go for now... I'll be back.”

“... What if you cannot get back in time?” Garnet worried.

“I'll be there.” Drake swore, “I won't be late.”

“Okay.” Garnet whispered, smiling at one of the guards.

Drake turned and walked down the steps, following Eclipse out the entrance.

It was rather late in the day. The party would be starting shortly... it had not been a good start. Drake had woken up to find guards from Daguerreo standing by the doors to the room he'd slept in. Garnet found similar; Alexandrian Soldiers standing guard in front of her room. Their easy escape plans had to be altered and that took longer than expected since Garnet kept being called away and they had to make sure no one knew they were up to anything.

Eclipse was an obstacle that Drake had to take care of... Luckily, it seemed that Eclipse was no longer angry with him. He sent Drake off to do little tasks the Prince was rather used to by now. Drake scouted out the town, gave reports on where everyone was and what the gossip was about. Nothing new nothing interesting. Eclipse was called away, but Drake didn't know by who... however, he made it be known he wanted Drake to stay close enough that he could see him pretty much at all times. Drake assumed that was to make sure the events of the last world meeting didn't occur again... and Eclipse wanted to be sure he'd know if Zidane was near the palace and Drake, with his hunting experience, was a very good alarm. He was particularly useful at recognizing a possible threat even if he couldn't see it.

It really altered his plans, though... Drake didn't understand why they had to spend so much time on the Veşnic Viaţă... He didn't know what Eclipse was doing most of the time. He just stayed by himself watching his guards talk about meaningless random gossip... Time was running out.

“Drake.” Eclipse called, looking off the deck toward the sky full of ships that were just starting to arrive.

“Yes?”

Eclipse thought this night was possibly a wonderful trap to get Zidane to come down, at first. His plans changed when he looked over the gravity of the situation. All these world leaders, all these nobles all in once place. It seemed great. If Zidane attacked, it was another proof that he was a danger to them... but then Brahne started blabbering and now everyone saw this Ball as a sort of victory party that they'd driven the Terran off. That their forces were strong enough that no matter what, Zidane wasn't a threat. Meaning they had to be sure he didn't attack...

“I want you to go patrol the town again.”

Drake shrugged a bit. “Sure, I can do that.”

“Do remember this Ball starts in just under an hour.” Eclipse reminded, glancing back at Drake. “... I would appreciate it if you were on time for once.”

The Dark Prince gave a slow nod. “...Understood. I'll check around the town to see if he's here and then I'll be back.” He didn't wait for approval or acknowledgment to that. He knew it was expected, but it was also almost perfect...

Drake quickly made his way to his room and changed clothes to an outfit that would fit perfectly well the attire required for such a Ball, then he headed into the palace just in time to avoid the line of people.

He looked at the line and then at the heightened security and had so smile at it. It was rather amusing! Here they were, all shocked and careful, worried about Zidane coming to get them and not thinking about someone leaving instead of coming in. It was rather amusing.

He caught sight of the Captain Knight and the General. Neither of them looked amused at all. Steiner even seemed rather upset at seeing him there, but Drake didn't care. He knew something rather cruel was going through the captain's mind and he smirked at him with a venomous smile. Then he worked his way through the busy atmosphere that swamped the palace.

Drake had to run or he would be late and him being late put Garnet into grave danger. She was on her balcony waiting for the guards to withdraw. Drake was to take the place of those guards and with the thick tree coverage it would be nearly impossible for Garnet to tell if he had made it or not.

Garnet watched the clock attentively before making her way out to the balcony. She had planned this carefully. Following the patterns of the guards below her room, listening to their conversations about the ball... It all had to be perfect so she'd taken care to pay special attention.

As the seconds ticked by, she made her way out onto the balcony just at the guards below made their way inside. Then she climbed over the edge and carefully started down. She'd been trained to escape the palace should the desperate need arise, but... she didn't have any of the equipment this time and had been trained to use special escape routes, not climb over her balcony.

It was important, though. She had to do this in order to get to see Zidane... So she took a deep breath, told herself not to look down, and took step after slippery step down the stone siding.

She shivered as a gust of wind pushed her aside and closed her eyes tight. She was afraid. She could fall to her death at this and it wouldn't surprise her if she did. She had never done this before and she had to doubt she even could, but if she didn't... she wouldn't get to see Zidane. For him she would do anything. So she kept trying and kept going down even when it seemed impossible to do.

“Ah!” Garnet gasped and nearly screamed as her foot slipped and she couldn't find the next hand or foothold. She wanted to scream but she knew she couldn't. If she did people would come running and even if that saved her it would mean she wouldn't get to see Zidane!

She was barely able to hold in the scream that pressed against her throat when her fall suddenly ended.

Drake pulled Garnet into the tree he was in. “You know, Princess, you might be able to climb better if you kept your eyes open.”

Garnet breathed a sigh of relief as she opened her eyes, following the Prince across the branches and down, safely, to the ground. “I know... I just got scared.”

“Come on. We don't have much time; I have to be back within an hour.”

“You're sure you can cover for me?” Garnet asked.

Drake nodded, “I'm sure. Everyone thinks you’re getting ready, so you should have an hour or so where you’re safe.”

“Then let's go!”

Drake took her hand and started running. She never questioned that he could see so well in the dark. She just followed him and for a short while, Drake had the fleeting hope that she would just accept he could see in the dark and accept him for why... but the sorrowful realization that it was a lost hope hit every time he caught sight of her eyes and saw the determination in them. She was running into the darkness, lost and without even the hope of seeing where she was going... but she was so determined to do it. So determined to see him...

She wouldn't follow Drake to the end of the earth. She'd already done that with and for Zidane. She wouldn't enter his dark world to be with him, she'd enter it and let him guide her only if it meant she got to see her true love.

... It wasn't a realization that caused feelings he was proud of.

He went faster than he normally would in the presence of anyone. As long as he kept hold of her hand, she had a greater chance of keeping up, so he used that to speed along, partially fuelled by the feelings he wasn’t proud of. He had to limit it, though. She was faster than he’d expected and she was strong, but she wasn’t used to this and she wasn’t designed for it. Summoners, like humans, weren’t built for speed, it seemed. Still, she was doing magnificent even through the darkness.

As they approached the area, Drake slowed; keeping hold of the Princess’s hand only to be sure she didn’t stumble on an unseen branch or get caught in the long grass.

Garnet looked around, feeling anxious and a bit uneasy. She wanted to keep running even as they’d stopped; wanted to just… she couldn’t even finish that thought. She felt the need to do more than wait in this dark mystery of this place. “This… This is it?”

Drake released her hand and looked at her, watching as she tried to search through the darkness… Her eyes weren’t made for this. Even with the moon’s bright glow, he doubted she saw anything the way he did… but it was possible. Possible she felt the cool release on her eyes, as they were free to be let alone rather than attacked by the suns violent rays. Maybe she, too, could let her mind take over and whisk her away to another reality where nothing could harm her. Perhaps she was able to let her other senses take over now that the distraction of light was gone; free to let her natural instincts tell her what was safe and what wasn’t. Could it be that she, too, heard the gentle whisper of the night assuring her that she was protected by the darkness as a leader of those that resided in it.

… It was almost a pleasant thought. Almost. It was short lived, though. Because if all those were true and she was a predator of the night just as he was… if they’d both belong in the darkness… She walked forward and he knew it wasn’t because of confidence. She couldn’t see where she was going and he wasn’t guiding her. She walked forward because of another creature of the light. She walked forward because of the hopes and promise that her Angel would be there and that was enough to leave Drake standing there in the dark.

… It was enough to make him hope she’d trip.

Drake turned back toward the path he’d been on and walked forward, past her. He knew he needed to lead, she needed to follow, and he wasn’t going to let anyone just leave him in the darkness when he was their guide! He let his eyes rest in the darkness and guide them on their path as she stumbled and tripped, trying to follow him though her eyes couldn’t discern his black clothes from their dark surroundings. He was the predator here, he knew. His eyes craved this darkness and her eyes… craved the light.

Drake stopped, seeing the jet parked in the clearing he’d designated for it and made his way to it confidently and leaving Garnet behind, tapping on the front lightly. His entire body flinched and his eyes snapped shut as bright lights erupted from the front and wings of the Chariot.

Zidane jumped out walked forward, just then glancing at Drake. “Woops…fog lights… I figured it best to see who was there before I got out.”

Drake would have glared if he could see him, but Zidane wouldn’t have cared anyway, because he now could see Garnet.

“… Zidane!” Was all she said before she ran forward.

He ran, too, to meet her and there was no hesitant stares or questioning looks. They embraced without any questions or doubt. It was as if they had simply been separated for far too long, rather than having been tricked into turning against one another. One would have thought there would be immediate questions, immediate demands for answers! … There was none of that.

There was none of that because instantly they knew there was no need for it. They needed each other, they were the whole world to the person holding them and that was that. It was a known fact. Why question what you already knew beyond any doubt? When the desire to just hold the other person in your arms was this great, why stall it with questions and doubt?

Drake moved to the side, out of the way from the lights radiating from the jet, to steam in peace and rub his eyes.

“I’ve missed you so much.” Garnet breathed, barely able to contain her tears.

“I know, I missed you too.” Zidane told her, stroking her hair. “Let’s never do this again, alright?”

Garnet laughed a short bit, “Easy to agree to. I… I just can’t believe I let Mother do this to me twice.”

“She had help.” Zidane said, “This time.”

“That pearl.” Garnet nodded, “Drake told me.”

Zidane pulled away a bit and looked over at Drake, “Thanks. Really, I owe you for this.”

Drake gave a snarky, sarcastic smile that lasted half a second before he looked away, pretending to lose interest in the matter.

“There’s so much I regret!” Garnet blurted out, “I’m so sorry—!”

“Easy, babe!” Zidane shushed her, looking back into her brown eyes. “I know it wasn’t your fault…how could I ever think that was you doing those things? If you have a reason to be sorry, so do I.”

“I just…”

“I know…me too.”

“I love you.”

Zidane smiled. “I love you, Dagger. More than I can ever express.”

Drake’s eyes rolled so far back into his head he thought he’d died with the visions it gave him.

“I can’t stay…” Garnet said, suddenly crying lightly. “That stupid ball! I have to attend…”

“At least I got to see you.” Zidane said, “I… we’ll just have to set up another meeting…”

Drake watched the pathetic display for another moment before he gave in, rolling his eyes again. “I’ll cover for you, Princess. You stay.” He then headed back for the palace, swiftly.

“What? How?” Garnet called after him.

“You can question me or you can believe. Your choice.” Was the Dark Prince’s reply before he took off running back to the palace, thinking up an excuse for her as he went.

“Thanks again!” Zidane shouted after him, then looked back at Garnet.

Garnet hugged him again, afraid that she’d somehow slip away and lose him into the night, or wake up to find it were all a dream. “I’m so sorry…”

Zidane went back to stroking her hair while she cried out her apologies. He hated that she was apologizing; hated the devilish woman who had given her a reason to need to apologize! That monster, Brahne… and Eclipse, they both needed to go! Why was there so much evil in this world? Why did they have to keep going through this?

“… I swear it to you, Dagger; I’m going to make it all better.”

“I believe you… I just hate this, Zidane. The very idea that a tiny little pearl could make us do this to each other! Could make me behave as I did… I can’t stand it!” Garnet shouted.

“It’s not just the pearl. And even if it was, that thing is… strong.” Zidane reminded, gently.

“It’s not good enough.” Garnet said, “I can’t use it as an excuse to explain away my actions. I should have been strong enough to fight it! I… we… It’s just too hard for me to believe we were all led astray so easily!”

Zidane couldn’t think of anything to say that would make her feel better. He still felt a little upset with the entire event… but he did know what he could tell her, “I have to admit I’m angry with all of this. I’m mad and I’m just so eager for it to be over, but you guys aren’t the ones I’m mad at. If we’re going to throw around blame, shouldn’t it be at the people responsible for this? I know it’s hard to get past that feeling of guilt. The feeling asking why not look at each other and wonder ‘why was it so easy for you to forget who I am?’ but… well, I don’t have the right to do that. On Terra I acted like a jerk.”

“You had a reason to.”

“Just as you guys did this time.” Zidane said, giving a nod, “That’s how I see it.”

“… So what now?” Garnet asked, quietly. “How do we make this all stop?”

Zidane reluctantly let Garnet go and walked over to the jet, sitting down on one of the wings and pulling Garnet up to sit next to him.

“We’re going to fight.”

Garnet nodded. “Alright… Well then, we need to get Freya and—,”

“No, Dagger…” Zidane took her hand and looked directly into her eyes. “… Not this time.”

“You don’t think they’d help?” Garnet was confused by that. It wasn’t like Zidane to doubt his friends.

“I know they’ll help.” Zidane corrected, “That’s why I can’t tell them.”

Garnet stared at him for a short while and then started shaking her head. “You keep doing this… Why? Why do you always have to do things alone?!?”

“Woah, woah! Easy!” Zidane grabbed her shoulders, “I know I’ve done that in the past. There are some things I know I have to do on my own. It’s like an instinct; something that I just know will only work if I’m alone. When I saved you and Eiko after the attack on Alexandria it was because something inside me said if anyone else came, they’d just be in danger. Same with when I went back for Kuja. Dagger, I don’t do this to leave anyone behind. I do it because my instincts tell me it’s the only way. This isn’t any different.”

“The last time you said you had to do something alone, I thought I’d lost you. Please, I can’t do that again!” Garnet pleaded.

“Hear me out.” Zidane requested, “There’s more going on here than you realize. There’s something… beyond what we’re use to. We worked it out and it seems like our best chance at this is to do it alone.”

“… We?”

“Drake didn’t tell you?”

Garnet shook her head.

“Drake’s the one that told me about all this.” Zidane cleared up, nodding to confirm it.

“Yes, he told me, too, but…?”

“He’s also more than meets the eye, it seems. That fire power of his is something else… and he’s resistant to the pearl, too.”

Garnet gave a slow nod. “I knew that, to a point.”

“He’s going to help me.”

Garnet blinked a bit. “He… are you… he can?”

“Yeah,” Zidane nodded.

“So… you’re not doing this alone. You’re just not doing it with us.”

Zidane fell a bit at that. “Dagger…”

Garnet bit her tongue. What right did she have to make him feel bad? She should just be thanking her lucky stars he didn’t hate her… but it still frustrated her. “I just don’t understand, I guess.”

“Name one of us that isn’t me who is resistant to Brahne’s magic?”

“Well… Steiner seems to be avoiding its magic…”

“And Beatrix, but are they resistant, or are they just not in the way? Brahne doesn’t doubt Beatrix’s obedience because Brahne is Queen and dead set sure that her General won’t be able to betray her and she doubts Steiner’s intelligence and ability to do anything, either. She doesn’t know us.”

“Is it someone, though.” Garnet pointed out, “It gives what you asked. And I’m not under Brahne’s control anymore!”

Zidane gave a sideways nod. “Alright, now name someone who, on their own, can take on Eclipse. Know much about him? He’s fast, he’s smart and he’s a freaking demon.”

“Well, why must it be on their own?” Garnet pouted.

“I’m trying to get you to see things how I do. When this fight goes down, we don’t know who’ll be around. Your mom could be there, she could use that pearl and we can’t tell what would happen to you, Steiner, and Beatrix. Moments of hesitation in battle lead to deaths, babe.”

“What exactly are you fighting that’s so dangerous?” Garnet questioned.

Zidane took a deep breathe and blew it out, “I can’t even describe it right. Saying he’s a monster or he’s a demon just doesn’t do it. Eclipse is worse than anything we’ve ever faced before.”

“He’s creepy, but… I never knew he was really all that involved, till recently.” Garnet said, feeling lost again.

“We’re going to take care of it.” Zidane assured her, “And I promise you that I’m not alone in this and I am being careful.”

“What about Mother?”

“Well,” Zidane began. “That one… is up to you.”

Garnet tipped her head to the side.

“Last time I didn’t handle it very well.” Zidane told her, “I didn’t respect what she meant to you. I will this time. Whatever you want us to do, but… we have to destroy that pearl.”

Garnet nodded. “How do you plan on doing that? Do you want me to get it for you?”

Zidane quickly shook his head. “Don’t touch it!”

“What? Why?”

“If you touch it you’ll just be put back under Brahne’s control. Probably even stronger than before.” Zidane explained, “It’s like it’s booby-trapped or something. We’re still figuring that part out.” “Well what can I do?” Garnet pleaded.

“Just… stay safe. I can’t do this unless I know you’re safe. If anything were to happen to you, I don’t think I could go on.”

Garnet smiled a bit at that. “… All right, Zidane. I trust you and I promise.”

Zidane smiled, “Good.”

Drake made it back to the ball nearly an hour before Eclipse showed up. The Dark Prince made his way to the Ball Room where he could make an appearance and scout out the area, which is what he was doing when Eclipse walked over.

“No problems,” Drake replied immediately.

“You must be disappointed.”

“He still might show up.” Drake said, mindful of his surroundings all the while.

“Quite possible.” Eclipse agreed in his usual, devoid of emotion voice. “Whatever happens, we need to be sure he stays away from this event.”

“Understood.”

As the hours ticked by, Drake became increasingly depressed with the entire situation. He busied himself with the candles, making their flames rise and fall to the music. It wasn’t a show anyone else seemed to be paying attention to, but it kept him well enough entertained that he didn’t stab out his own heart to finish off what the dull conversations had already started.

His mind wandered away from the party; which served as an irritant since he knew he could be enjoying himself if he would just put some effort into it. He couldn’t focus on it, though. His mind was stuck on other situations he was going through to help feed his growing depression.

Drake wished he’d have just ran. Spent as long as he could hiding from Eclipse and then… Would never work. He’d be found before he’d think of a next step since his every moment would be spent trying to think of how to stay hidden.

His chest still hurt… those wounds hadn’t healed since he’d been stupid enough to keep training which caused them to split open from time to time rather than heal. He still ached from that battle and he was forced to pretend it had never occurred. Pretend the demon standing only a few feet away wasn’t a demon at all. He wasn’t that good an actor, Drake didn’t think. He wasn’t even fooling himself. He hated that man and he was sure it showed no matter how deep he buried that feeling and he would have to bury it.

The problem with burying emotions is where you bury them. They always go straight into your heart, and his was running out of room. He cringed at the very thought of piercing it again in order to try and hide this. He had too much to hide already. His worry, his dreams, his goals, his feelings… what was left? The phony mask he’d created to fool everyone was only causing him to feel confused when he looked in the mirror… if the mask were physically there, he’d fire whoever had created and designed it. They had surely made a flaw.

He was mad and depressed about things that shouldn’t even matter and it just made him hate himself even more that they did matter. Why did he lie about how he got Eclipse to show his True Form? Why, in all this time training, did he still hold back? And why was it so difficult? Zidane never seemed to have any problem remembering a practice was just a practice. Drake couldn’t always see it that way. In that fight in Daguerreo, he’d almost lost control from one hit. He wanted to get revenge instantly; he wanted to cause pain.

That was it. That was the problem. His instincts were to kill. He was living in a world of sentient beings while his instincts were polar. Their instincts said to run and his said to chase when they ran. Any sign of threat from them was usually an urge to prove themselves or to try and appear menacing so their attacker would leave. To him, those same movements told him to end their miserable lives before they’d have a chance to attack. That was it. He was a monster masquerading as a sentient being and surrounded by humans and mages. The key to happiness and survival was to never let them know, yet if he kept up with this plan… they would find out eventually.

His True Form was stronger than the mask he wore now. In practices, he used his firepower and his strength and that alone brought questions. His healing ability, too, was something that would come out. Most of their practices had been for HP, but Zidane knew how to go for Blood. The only reason they didn’t practice it was Drake feared he’d kill the Terran and claim it was an accident…

... There was no way he could fight Eclipse without using his True Form…

Then everyone would realize what a monster he was.

“My, oh my, you all waited for me? How polite!”

Drake’s attention snapped to the side as he heard that shout. Augh! Not her! He quickly darted out of view, choosing the shadows and deciding he could easily remain there all night if necessary.

“Hello, Empress Pricilla.”

“Why hello, Queen Brahne.” Pricilla chirped, “You haven’t seen Prince Drake anywhere around now have you?”

“He was here a moment ago…” Brahne stated, looking around.

No I- HE wasn’t! No he wasn—!

Yes, he was. Eclipse interrupted, deciding that if Drake couldn’t do it right he shouldn’t even try. That, and, it would give the boy something to have to deal with.

“I suppose you could go looking.” Brahne finished, still looking around.

Drake sighed. He couldn’t let her do that… She’d go prowling and notice Garnet wasn’t there…

With enough reluctant force to topple the castle, Drake pushed away from the wall and stepped out of the shadows. “Oh, I’m here…”

“Drakey! There you are!” Pricilla walked over and Drake backed up, unable to stop himself from doing so. “Oh, you’re so silly!”

“Oh, I’m so frightened…” Drake looked for an escape, regretting his decision not to have stayed hidden… but she would have gone looking and that would be annoying.

Pricilla looked him over with a judgmental gaze. “Always in black?”

Drake raised an eyebrow at her. “Always in pink?”

“You noticed! That’s so sweet of you!” Pricilla cheered. “But please, Drake, why all the black? Especially for this event! At least you dressed up, but… black?”

“… I’m going to a funeral.” Drake informed, looking as irritated as his voice sounded.

“Oh?” Pricilla tipped her head to the side, confused. “Whose?”

“Yours, if I have my way. But it’ll probably be mine.” Drake groaned, disappointed by it.

Pricilla, however, was thrilled. “You’d want to go to my funeral? You must love me so much! That is the sweetest thing you have ever said! You want to grow old and die with me! Oh, how romantic!!”

Drake nearly threw up right there. He looked ill. Visibly ill, like he was going to vomit but was trying not to. He gagged, and looked away as if the very sight of her were making his condition worse.

“Dance with me!” Pricilla insisted, grabbing his hand and dragging him into the dance floor before he could say another word.

If there is a just God… Drake thought, eying the ceiling. May they strike me down now! There was no such luck, of course. He had far too much to repent for to die now.

Eclipse was satisfied with that situation. Drake had slipped up much too recently for him to avoid this punishment.

Beside him, Brahne shuddered, watching the Empress drag off the Prince. “I’ll never understand that… You don’t worry something will happen?”

Eclipse gave just the faintest version of a smile as he looked at her. “He hasn’t killed her yet… and trust me, she’s done worse. If she could survive the worse, she will survive this. Besides, Drake hunts in private. It isn’t as fun for him if there are people around and his prey is out in the open.”

Brahne watched the man even as he looked away from her. “… And Zidane?”

“There won’t be a problem.” Eclipse assured, “Drake will wait for my permission before he kills anything resembling a human.”

Brahne almost gagged and her face skewed to show it. “How… fortunate.”

“Yes.” Eclipse looked back at her and his eyes made her hold her breath, afraid to even breathe. “Anyone I tell him to go after, he will go after.”

Drake let Pricilla pull him around for an hour or so… She kept asking about the scratches on his face… had since she’d first seen then, but she really didn’t seem to care much about anything other than the fact that it distorted her perfect image. She didn’t want the cuts to scar over because that would be an extremely visible flaw that would reflect negatively on his appearance and thus, in some way, her…

He couldn’t help but thank his lucky stars there was no other heir to Daguerreo. Or, currently, Shivel. None that would please Pricilla anyway… otherwise she might have actually tried to arrange a wedding. He was a Prince, after all… bartering chip for the King and Queen, oh yes. Not a very good one, granted. Not with all these scars or the anti-social personality. Thankfully, there weren’t a lot of other options as far as royalty was concerned, and the lack of crisis amongst the nations let the younger royal figures do mostly as they pleased. Still… he would like not to have to deal with Pricilla right now. He did only until she got too involved in a conversation with one of her friends about whether or not one of their other ‘friends’ who couldn’t be at the ball was a whore for sleeping with some guy or not…

“Drakey, what do you think?”

“Think I might like to meet her.”

Pricilla gave a grinding laugh and then jerked down on his cravat hard enough it nearly choked him and forced his head down. “You’re so silly!”

“Eheh.” Drake pulled out of her grip and then looked toward the entrance. “Well, that’s a shame! I have to be going now.”

“…Oh?” Pricilla grabbed his arm again.

Drake fought to get away. “Yes, you see, my… parents… have called for me to come home.”

There was no way Pricilla was going to buy that. The last time his parents had called for him to go home, he’d stayed out an extra week just to prove he wasn’t going to obey them. Pricilla’s friends, however, didn’t know that.

Thus, Drake managed to get free once Pricilla decided keeping hold of him after such an excuse would make her look bad. Drake slipped away and walked back over to Eclipse and Brahne.

Brahne kept looking around the dance floor. “… Where is Garnet?”

Drake tensed up as he saw Eclipse take mild notice of that question and glance around the room.

“Oh, she said she wasn’t feeling well and was going to stay in her room.” Drake explained, quietly.

“Really? I was in her room not long ago, I didn’t see her…” Brahne said, confused.

Drake shrugged, slightly, looking at the floor. “Perhaps that is when she came and told me…”

“Hm. Must have been.” Brahne granted, letting it go.

Drake gave a nod and wandered away, onto the dance floor. He couldn’t be around them right now; he needed to be away from Eclipse and Brahne. Needed to think things through about what his next move was going to be.

He could feel Eclipse’s eyes piercing into his back as he walked away, purposefully going through the center of the ballroom in the hope that the dancers would block Eclipse’s view and was thankful when they finally did. Drake made his way to the balcony and once again let himself get lost in thought… Too many sad thoughts for such a beautiful night.

“This way.” Zidane held Garnet’s hand as they walked to the palace, together.

He knew she could find the way back on her own without trouble, but every second they were together was one less spent apart and he wouldn’t give that up for anything. The palace was heavily guarded, but Garnet knew the knights schedules well enough that they weren’t going to be caught.

Once they arrived, Zidane helped Garnet climb back up to her balcony. “So, what’s this party like, anyway?”

Garnet giggled a bit. “It’s not a party, it’s a ball.”

“So no beer?”

“I think there’s some wine and Champaign.” Garnet offered, shrugging a bit. “Not much else that I can see you having any taste for, really.”

“Expensive, gross crap, eh?”

Garnet grinned. “And herbal tea; no sweetener.”

“Ah. Cheaper, gross crap.”

Garnet pulled him closer and kissed him. She loved just hearing him talk! Loved hearing his replies for things, loved seeing the differences between him and everyone else at this function even if she hated the fact that he couldn’t go down to the ball with her. “I have to get changed…”

“They won’t find a grass stained yellow jumper appropriate attire?”

“Well…some might, but I’d rather not hang around those individuals.” Garnet joked, giving a giggled.

“Are they the ones with six-foot long feathers in their hats?” Zidane asked. “How do they get through doors?”

“Very carefully.”

“Do they have hat assistants? Responsible for all things hat related?”

“And probably attendants as well. One for every foot tall the feather is.” Garnet walked to her closet, pawing through it in search of the gown she had picked earlier.

“So it’s a status thing, eh? Or are they compensating for some lesser thing?”

“The world may never know.”

“Ah.” Zidane began, “But the world can guess.”

“And would that guess be vulgar and crude slander?”

Zidane thought about it and then nodded, “Without question.”

“Some people say the same for airships, you know.” Garnet pointed out, glancing back at him.

“Which is an unfair event. Girls can have airships as big as they want and it just means they’re great pilots to be able to steer such a thing. If a guy has one it’s compensating.”

“Then there is yours.”

“My jet is small; it compensates for nothing… and has no reason to.” Zidane grinned, clicking his tongue and wiggling his eyebrows.

“But you made fun of Blank’s boat.”

Zidane walked over to her, wrapping his hands around her waist. “Well I had to, babe. There’s nothing about it that isn’t funny. First we have the fact that Blank and Boat are alliterations, then we have the fact that it was a boat rather than an airship he got, and the thing was so overdone, you saw it. Took him twenty minutes to get the sails up and for a private boat that’s pathetic. For any boat, for that matter.”

“And your jet isn’t overdone?” Garnet smiled.

“Not a bit of it. I need every single little gadget, even the ones I’m not sure what do, because that is exactly how the instruction manual said to build it. It might not even work without them!”

“Oh? And the Tantalus added addition?”

“They are all there for my safety and the sake of looking bad-ass of course.”

Garnet giggled. “I was wondering how you were going to explain the decals… I found my dress.”

“I see that. It looks wonderful.”

“It’s an old dress.”

“It still looks wonderful.”

“Because that’s a safe answer?” Garnet questioned.

“Yup.” Zidane nodded, “And it’s my favorite one. You wore that one the day I came back.”

“Yes I did.” Garnet smiled, remembering that day. She stood there, enjoying that memory and letting him hold her for a bit longer. “… I need you to wait outside.”

“Why?”

“Because I need to get changed.”

“So?”

Garnet giggled a bit, “So get lost.”

“Hmm…” Zidane rested his chin on her shoulder for a moment. “Well that’ll never work, babe. While I’m lost I might wander in on the party without beer and that’ll make things so awkward.”

“Go wait on the balcony, you pest.”

Zidane sighed and let her go. “Fine, fine…”

Zidane walked out onto the balcony and looked around. The guards below were talking to each other, but he didn’t recognize them. He didn’t see Lana anywhere, either. He guessed she was up by the entrance. He was glad she wasn’t being punished for being associated with him… at least, he hoped she wasn’t being punished. With that thought, Zidane turned and walked back into the room.

“Hey, babe—… wow, you got dressed fast.”

Garnet looked away from her vanity where she was fixing her hair. “… Wow, you came back inside awful fast.”

“And only to be disappointed. Anyway, I was wondering something that’s been bothering me… my friends, they’re safe, right?”

Garnet nodded. “Mother makes me ask them questions from time to time… but they should be safe.”

“What about Lana?”

“… Who?”

“Lana.” Zidane clarified, “She another knight here. A friend.”

“Oh. Fine.”

“Yeah?”

“Yes, she’s fine. Nothing has happened to the guards here.” Garnet confirmed, giving a nod.

“Good…”

“… You’re really worried about all of us, aren’t you?”

Zidane shrugged, “I trust you guys… I just… all this has showed me what it would be like to lose you all. I can’t do that for real. If it’s a spell, I just have to break it. But… if it’s death… I’ve been so angry with everyone. Mad at Freya for disappearing, Vivi and Eiko for turning against me, Steiner and Amarant for being unable to help… even mad at you. I was mad at myself for letting it happen. I couldn’t help but wonder what I’d done to screw up our perfect situation. I was ready to snap, ready to do horrible things because I felt like I’d lost it all. One moment I’m fighting with you and thinking everything’s getting sucked down to hell, and the next minute… I have an answer.”

“I felt the same.” Garnet admitted, “I had no idea why I even cared about that stupid door or why I was so upset, I just needed to know why.”

“Drake told me and… I don’t know. He didn’t have to.” Zidane said, “But I trust him because he gave me back hope. Because I have you back.”

Garnet smiled. “Same… I hated him because he seemed to be against us and then he became all I had to hang on to… then he turns out to be on our side.” In all honesty… she knew what would have happened if she had never been told about the pearl. If she has never broken free from that pearl she’d be dead.

Drake was a good friend to her, but that’s all he would ever be. Nothing would ever change the fact that Zidane was her soul mate, and if she couldn’t have him… she couldn’t live. The fates had brought them together and even death hadn’t pulled them apart before. They’d gone to hell and back together and nothing could replace that.

“Why is he helping us?” Garnet asked. “That’s the one thing I don’t understand…”

“He won’t tell me, either.” Zidane rolled his eyes, “He’s creepy that way.”

“They call him a demon.”

“Who?”

“Everybody.” Garnet said, motioning toward the party downstairs and toward the entrance. “All the other World Leaders whisper to each other about his appearance… Even Pricilla.”

“Doesn’t he hate Pricilla?”

“Don’t we all?”

Zidane thought that over. “… Yes… but doesn’t she worship him?”

“Sort of. That’s a long story there, too. She wants to marry him and he wants to bury her… She chases him around a ton from what I’ve seen and heard, but even she makes comments. He’s a hunter. And he barely knows us, so I have to wonder… what is he getting out of this?”

“Wish I could say, Dagger.” Zidane shook his head, “I keep asking… keep getting sarcastic replies or swift rants that end up making no sense.”

“Hm…”

“I think he’s in trouble.” Zidane stated, “He lives with Eclipse… He’s like dead center involved in all of this and he’s right in the line of fire.”

“I was thinking about that. It brings even greater confusion on why he’s helping us. He puts himself in danger and you said he didn’t even want anything in return? It makes me curious… he’s given us so much.” Garnet paced, slowly walking across the room.

Zidane watched her. She looked so beautiful. He felt so… relieved. Just having her here, having her know what was going on, and knowing she was still who he fell in love with. Seeing the proof that he still had his friends. Gaining renewed hope that everything would turn out okay.

Why was Drake helping them…? The full answer, Zidane just didn’t know. He had an idea, though. It was her. It was always her, of course. The way the world lit up when she smiled… how her sad eyes could shatter your heart... he had seen Drake around her. Had seen the way he acted, the way he looked at her, the way he responded to everything she said. Drake didn’t act like that toward anyone else. The fact that Drake had to state he was backing down; going to stop going after Garnet… that was something. Something he’d missed the first time he’d thought about it. He’d thought it was a trust thing; Drake was saying he’d back down from Garnet because he knew it would help Zidane trust him more… obviously it was more than that.

It’s for you, isn’t it…? He looks at you the same way I do, sometimes… He wouldn’t do this if not for you. “… Hm.”

Garnet looked back at him. “Hm?”

“Nothing. I don’t think we should dwell on it. He started our friend; maybe it is as simple as that. The point is, we have a team. You, me and him. That’s good enough for now… at least we’re not alone anymore, and we’ll keep it that way. We have to, because one slipup…” Zidane shuddered, thinking about it.

“We all fall down.” Garnet finished, “So we need to protect each other.”

Zidane nodded. “We can’t let anyone else know; it’ll put them and us in danger. I’m all the way on Terra and it’s hard to get word on what’s going on… Drake has that radio… phone… thing… which works occasionally, but it’s not great. If you tell someone who handles it wrong, or acts different than Brahne and Eclipse wants, not only will you be discovered, but they’ll be found out, too. I’d rather our friends keep their distance for as long as possible… I imagine we’ll need them in the end.”

“How will this end?” Garnet asked.

“That’s… not quite set.” Zidane shook his head, “It’s up to you. Drake says we have to get Eclipse down and I agree, so we’re doing that…”

Garnet hated that she wasn’t included in that… her white mage abilities and her Eidolons made her a strong fighter and she disliked them seeming to have forgotten that.

“We need you here in case things get bad.”

Garnet blinked. “Oh…?”

Zidane nodded again. “We want all our friends in one spot when this blows over… I don’t know how to destroy that pearl or what will happen when I do… where our friends stand, what they might be thinking it’s all… urgh… It’s too dangerous not to have someone prepared to handle whatever goes down. I don’t want it to have to be—.”

“I’ll do it.”

“…”

Garnet walked over to Zidane. “You boys think it’s your job to protect me? Well I’m a fighter, too. Let me help anyway I can, Zidane. Or I’ll just keep feeling horrible.”

Zidane shrugged a shoulder. “I know that, Garnet. Sorry. I just prefer having my friends with me in battle… I don’t show it enough, but I do need you guys and it’s killing me that I can’t have you with me and it kills me to know that, alone, you’re in trouble too.”

“We all are.”

“I know, but… No, forget it. I don’t need to explain… you feel it, too. I should get going. They’re going to really start questioning where you’ve been. Just… be careful. I have to worry about you and Drake; you’re both right in the middle of this… your M—er…”

“I understand. Mother will see if I act differently because she is always around me, and Eclipse is always around Drake, as well as Mother thinking he still is on her side.”

“Yeah…” Zidane laughed, “Quite a team we have this time around. I’m stuck on Terra, you’re in the midst of liars and brainwashed zombies, and our one hope is a bad guy.”

Garnet shoved him, “He’s not a bad guy.”

“Yes he is! He keeps saying so! When this is over, it’ll end up a screenplay, you know. Ten years from now, people will be on stage acting it all out in an overdone style.” Zidane chided, shaking his head. “I can’t wait to see who plays me!”

Garnet giggled then put her hands on her hips. “You never can be serious, can you?”

“No, and I don’t want to try.”

Garnet hugged him, one last time while she said a silent prayer hoping that this wouldn’t be the last time… “I just want this over.”

Zidane rubbed her back. “I know, Dagger. It will be, soon.”

“Are you leaving right away?”

“Nah… I’ll stick around for a bit, alright?”

Garnet smiled a bit. “Good…” She reluctantly pulled out of the hug and just looked into his eyes for a while. “I’ll see you soon?”

“Don’t even worry about it.”

Garnet turned and walked out, not glancing back because she wanted to believe that she wouldn’t need to. Didn’t need to make this meeting linger because it would not be the last…

When she walked into the ballroom, a few people turned and bowed their respect to her. She walked past them, looking around.

These people didn’t matter… maybe they thought they did, maybe to others they did, but in her mind they were scenery and little more. Her life did not require them because they were all villains in this story. They could be innocent, but they were not aiding her… If you are not part of the solution, you’re part of the problem in most instances. These people didn’t know there was a problem… but that didn’t matter, she doubted they would do much even if they did know… people had enough on their minds and plated these days, they didn’t seek out more battles to join.

She wasn’t looking for any of them. She didn’t even want to look at the villains that surrounded yet, even though their presence caused a vegetative darkness in her sight; unable to see the light in all this despair. No… she didn’t want any part of that. Garnet wanted to forget that world even existed! She wanted… to be with Zidane, still… she wanted to be with her team. So she headed out onto the balcony. She couldn’t see Zidane, but she could sense he was nearby… a sort of sixth sense she never even realized she had. Princess Garnet just felt better when Zidane was around, and that feeling pulled her in his direction even if she couldn’t see him. She smiled at the thought that he was nearby.

Drake had his back to her as Garnet walked out onto the balcony. He was looking down, over the balcony and had his arms spread to the side, like wings, resting on the short stone ledge. Garnet watched him as she approached, wondering what he was thinking. She glanced up and could see one side of her balcony, faintly, in the night and far off to the side. She saw Zidane walk to the ledge there and look over around the corner, giving her a smile.

The Princess approached the Dark Prince, and she saw him tense up. An instinct, she guessed, as she noticed him do it often whenever someone came into a room. It was chilly out here… she felt the bite of the wind the moment she stepped onto the balcony.

Poor, foolish Fire Elemental… what are you doing out in the cold?. Garnet took his hand gently, pulling him back toward the party.

“Garnet?” The prince’s voice showed his surprise.

“Come on, Drake. Dance with me?” Garnet smiled a fragile smile and trying to silently tell him it would be okay.

Drake was almost too stunned to respond, but he managed a nod and walked with her out onto the dance floor.

Zidane jumped onto the balcony leading to the party just shortly after that. He was proud of his girl. Their miniature team had a lot against them, but at least they had each other. He liked knowing that even if he was away, Garnet had someone protecting her. Of course, Zidane did not like that it wasn’t him… truth be told, when the princess was involved, Zidane would never feel she was safe enough unless he was there with her.

They danced beautifully, though. Zidane had to admit that… it was no surprise why the Royals thought they would make a perfect match for one another. Their steps complimented each other as if they had rehearsed them daily. They grew up in the same world… or at least, Garnet had since she turned seven… a decade ago. They even had a mildly similar appearance; the same dark hair that was so favored on Gaia… Zidane didn’t fit that standard. He was built different and he feared it often showed.

Despite that… she’d chosen him.

Even thought their lives were so different. Even though he wasn’t a perfect match… Garnet had chose Zidane. Seeing the Prince and the Princess together no longer hurt him to see. It was just more proof that Garnet knew she had options and still chose to love him.

Zidane glanced around, looking at people’s reactions. They really had them all fooled. Pricilla didn’t look happy at all. That almost made him laugh… the preppy Empress puffing up like a baby who is pouting! Sputtering and looking shocked as she looks around for support, but still just stands there.

He loved that his two friends got this time off from thinking about the battle. He was fine just standing back and watching them; despite how badly he wished he could be inside with them... he loved seeing his girl smile. Loved seeing Dagger happy.

Zidane heard familiar, clanking footsteps approaching and he smiled for a moment before his expression dulled as he realized… how much danger he put his friends in by being there.

“… She’s smiling.” He whispered, once he was sure Steiner had seen him.

“It means nothing, I- I am sure of it!” Steiner insisted.

It means more than you know, Rusty. “No… she means it. I know her smiles, there’s nothing fake about that smile.”

Zidane knew this conversation couldn’t go on for long… Eclipse or Brahne was going to notice him, soon.

Eclipse knew that teenagers were annoying brats. He could see Drake… and the boy was not on guard as he should have been. It was that bloody princess… The fates had to give him royalty? It had been helpful in some instances, but was primarily a hassle on his life.

The irritable Queen kept pestering him as well, shattering his concentration and piercing his thought patterns. How aggravating could she be!? He knew there was a problem… there was a powerful aura nearby, he could feel it… it wasn’t Drake and it was not his own… if the boy would only pay attention! Drake was a hunter, a tracker! He had trained himself quite well and that had been very useful, so why didn’t it ever come in handy when Eclipse needed it to? The boy would know if there was something to be concerned about, if only he would pay attention!

Finally, he caught Drake’s attention. Or rather, he noticed Drake’s focus alter. He perked up, as it were, pushing his shoulders down and forcing himself to become slightly taller. He looked around in sharp, random movements. Tipping his head from side to side as his ears sought out a sound and his eyes scanned for a source to the feeling he’d latched onto and knew to be strong enough that id even distracted him from the princess.

Finally… Eclipse thought to himself.

Drake looked at Eclipse, a silent signal that something, indeed, was amiss and reason for Eclipse’s uneasy thoughts. Eclipse gave a slight nod stating that he was aware and it was time to act. Then Drake did something that confused Eclipse for a moment. Eclipse expected the boy to obediently come over—… well, to be fair, Eclipse never expected Drake to be instantly obedient… the times Drake was seemed to be luck of the draw or caused by severe fear felt toward Eclipse caused by recent events. Nevertheless, Eclipse expected Drake to move over to him with a report, as he was still showing signs of being afraid of the man and thus was being good for a change… but this time Drake confused him. He looked, instead, at the princess. He smiled and she smiled back right before the candle flames that lit the room extinguished.

“Go,” Garnet whispered.

Drake gave a swift nod that Garnet only saw in his red, flickering eyes as they bobbed in the darkness, followed by her feeling his presence depart as he turn and rushed from the room. Even though he was in such obvious haste, Garnet noticed that he somehow managed to take care not to tear himself from her hold and not to push her in any direction. She stayed right where she had been and somehow he had even managed to get her in a safe enough area that she knew the wall was only a few steps away. She went to it and slowly made her way out of the dark ballroom.

“Wait!!” Eclipse had been surprised. He knew he shouldn’t have been. Rash, bold, stupid, unplanned actions seemed to be Drake’s specialty no matter how hard Eclipse tried to train him out of it!

Damn that boy! There was no way to stop him now… No… there was. He could put his headache barrier up, increase the strength to a crushing degree, see just how much pain the boy could tolerate before he finally broke… Eclipse wanted to see that greatly just then. Some old and dusty instinct pushing forward in him, saying something was wrong with that boy; something new. Some hidden voice shouting a threat where before there was none that could realistically be there. A just reasoning to cause pain, to enforce the law and prove he was the alpha and any who thought they could oppose him were wrong in a deadly way.

Eclipse didn’t even bother to ignore the feeling, it died on its own moments later. There was no reason to feel such way toward Drake. As stupid as the boy acted, he was Eclipse’s property and was simply acting out as usual. Acting out and acting up was all the boy seemed to do. He needed to stop him... but there was no real urgency to it. It might be interesting, indeed, to see what happened. He would stop Drake as soon as he could without using a barrier… till then, it was another test for his creation.

They say never to let a domesticated beast bite a sentient being, because then they will get a taste for the blood and become monstrous. It was often true; he had seen it. What happened, though, if you let one sentient being taste the blood of another? The prime display of dominance is taking away a kill from a beast. This could be the ultimate test… Drake was as good as any animal. You had to train it, discipline it, and be sure it obeyed your command. How obedient was Drake for the things that mattered? Could Eclipse deny him a hunt he was already on? Prevent a kill that would be so easy to obtain? … After Drake’s recent actions, it was a necessary test despite what pain might be involved. None of that pain would be Eclipse’s, though. That was certain…

Zidane saw the candle flames vanish and heard the surprised shout from Steiner. “What happened?!?”

What happened? … Well, I came back from the Iifa Tree after nearly dying, I found Brahne was alive, I became a knight so I could be with Garnet, I met Drake, I found out life is unfair and sucks. Discovered I was right and Brahne is out to get me, and wants everyone else to get me as well, found out about some door with hidden powers only I can obtain that has been nothing but a burden and caused everyone to turn against me… Learned that Drake isn’t as evil as I thought and is actually trying to help me and now I’m here at the castle during a party I’m not invited to and pretty sure will get attacked for being at… Life is fun.. Zidane informed silently. He was about to comment again, when a shiver went down his spine. He suddenly had the horrible feeling in his gut that something very bad was coming.

“I guess this is farewell…” He said, looking at Steiner. “Thank you for being as faithful as you are, but I’m afraid this just isn’t your fight.”

He wanted to explain more, but there wasn’t time. What could he say? “Oh, Steiner, Drake’s going to come out in a second, but don’t worry about it. It’s just supposed to look like he’s going to kill me so he gets “good guard-dog” points. Now, should anyone else come out? That’s another story! That’s bad because that means Eclipse is coming and that won’t be good for me. Why? Well…” By the time he got that explanation out it would even require more elaborated on, and Drake would be standing behind him with the palm of his hand pressed against his eyes while shouting about how much of an idiot Zidane was.

Zidane jumped over the balcony and ran as fast as he could from the palace. He wasn’t alone in his run for more than a moment, though, as Drake was behind him in an instant after Zidane scaled the walls surrounding Alexandria, and wasn’t slowing down much. Zidane pushed his body to the limit in an effort to stay ahead. His speed was only rivaled by Burmecians—a fact he had always been proud off— yet Drake was having no problem keeping up… something that Zidane was still bothered by, despite how long he had known of the Prince’s speed. “Would you slow down!? I didn’t stretch first, I’m gonna cramp up!”

“Cry me a river and drown in it, monkey.”

“Someone’s moody toni—wait… you’re moody all the time… Never mind.”

“Funny. You’re about to trip.”

Zidane glanced at the ground and barely had time to take notice of the fallen tree branch in his path. He managed to avoid it and continued on into the dense forest, and promptly hit the ground as something slammed into him.

“UH!” Zidane got up swiftly and plowed into Drake, hitting a tree.

Drake didn’t make a sound, but Zidane saw a flicker in his eyes that proved he felt the hit and backed off. They wanted to make it look like there were a few encounters and battles, but there was no reason for anyone to get hurt.

That was Zidane’s feelings. There were not shared by Drake who promptly retaliated by pouncing Zidane hard enough it left an imprint in the ground.

“Huf! Ow!”

Drake leapt up into a tree as Zidane got up.

“What the hell? You pounced me?”

“I noticed.”

“Sheez… if I’m a monkey, you’re a cat.”

“Well you are a monkey.” Drake replied, “But I’m not an animal.”

“Humans don’t usually pounce other humans.”

“Clearly you’ve never attended high school or read manga.”

“Manga?”

“Graphic novels that inspire fangirls and boys to meet up and discuss them whilst pouncing one another.”

Zidane blinked a bit. “…That would either be very painful or very sexy—no… it could be both.”

Drake cast him an ill amused gaze. “Has anyone ever told you that you’re a pervert?”

“Frequently.”

“And yet you continue.”

“I have to be me.”

“Everyone else was taken?” Drake said, jumping away, into the darkness.

“Ha-ha.”

Zidane jumped up and started running again, only then noticing that he couldn’t see where Drake had done. He was running through darkness and his guide was nowhere to be seen; leaving him with this eerie feeling of being watched but having no idea where from. He stepped into a clearing, waiting… but he still couldn’t see Drake. “Alright! I don’t appreciate being hunted down, come out where I can see you!”

“It isn’t my fault your eyes aren’t meant for the darkness.” Drake called back, taking care to make sure his footsteps were as quiet as possibly, if only to add to the atmosphere of this blessedly haunting night.

“So come out of it!” Zidane demanded, not amused by this. If he got lost and ran off a cliff or something he would not be happy.

Drake just laughed. “Hiding in the light? Are you afraid of what lives in the darkness…?”

Zidane rolled his eyes, shaking his head. “I don’t fear it, it just annoys me! I think those that dwell in the darkness should be more concerned with the other monsters that linger there, rather than those of us in the light.”

“Perhaps those in the darkness prefer to prey on those in the light.” Drake teased, though it it were menacing or playful was hard to tell.

“Because you envy us?” Zidane taunted. “I have access to what you fear?”

“I do not fear the light,” Drake stated as he finally walked into the light cast by Terra and the moon.

“Oh, there you are.” Zidane greeted as Drake walked toward him, pulling out his whip.

“I grow tired of waiting.”

Zidane was a bit curious about this. The plan was for them to run, stage a few crime scenes and then for Zidane to go back to Terra, making it look like Drake has chased him off. Fighting Eclipse was not at all in the plan. “Think it’s finally time?”

Drake shrugged as if this weren’t a burdening question. “It’s worth a try… how can we know if the end is truly possible without an attempt?”

“At the very least… it’ll show us what we have to do.” Zidane had to agree. He was scared about it, but he couldn’t stop Drake from attempting this battle… he could do nothing but flee and wait, or join the fight.

“I know what I have to do. My answers were clearly given this night.” Drake mocked, flashing a demonic smile that Zidane saw right through.

“Yeah… mine too.” Drake wanted this battle over with, it was that easy. Why and how weren’t as important to him. Zidane could sense the fear there even if it wasn’t physically evident. Drake wanted Eclipse gone before things got worse.

“Get ready.” Drake ordered, motioning toward Zidane’s Chariot.

Zidane ran and retrieved his Ultima Weapon, The Tower, and returned to the clearing, walking around it with Drake following.

“This should do.” Zidane said, “It has enough room. If we each take a side, we can pin him in the middle.”

Drake gave a swift nod before turning away, heading to the far side of the clearing, getting ready.

Zidane had never seen anything like it before—though that was a common phrase when referring to Drake— he could see Drake’s energy surrounding the prince as if it were a physical presence. A deep red and onyx black that flickered like flames all around him. All his energy, his desire, his will, his power, his excitement that this might be it! So powerful were these that they burned into his very aura.

“Stay hidden!” Zidane called and ran to his end of the field. He didn’t know why he felt the need to say so… perhaps it was his personality that always wanted to protect others, perhaps it was seeing how overly-ready Drake was for this. Perhaps both.

Drake crept down, lowering his body as far as it would go while allowing him to remain ready to dash out without notice. He wanted this to happen. He wanted it so badly that he had to keep telling himself why this couldn’t work just to contain himself.

It was a mistake. It was such a mistake. He knew it by how overly anxious he had let himself become… He should have waited. Should have just kept calm and reserved and patient, but that was far from his actual personality. Too far, apparently. When he saw Eclipse walk into that field… It was as if he could feel the chains holding him back, and it just made him want to break them even more!

Zidane was worried from the start… after seeing Eclipse’s True Form… But maybe they could end this before the man had a change to turn into a monster? It was hard to imagine this fight working, but… if he left now he would regret it. If he could end it now… tonight? He would have to worry about Garnet and Drake being discovered and caught. Wouldn’t have to worry about Steiner and Beatrix fighting back and being killed for it, wouldn’t have to worry about missing the right opportunity… when Eclipse entered the field, Zidane turned his attention purposefully away from him and onto Drake. It wasn’t that he was afraid to look at the man, it was just that he knew Drake would attack first and they needed to be as in sync as possible with this.

When Drake burst from his hiding spot, Zidane was quick to follow. There was so much speed from the both of them! It was as if they had bottled this energy up since birth and had awaited this very moment to use it! …

And then that cold, pale hand snapped out the darkness…

Zidane couldn’t stop fast enough. There was very little that caused Zidane real fear in life. He could sail the oceans, he could jump off an airship and a thousand and one other events… Weird things may give him a shudder, cause him to get on the defensive and jump back for an escape, like the single living eye on Terra that opened to gaze at him. Real fear, though, only came when he was sure someone’s life may have actually come to an end, like when Garnet fell off the tower in Alexandria on their first meeting.

There was a snap. The most sickening sound. Then Eclipse had looked right at him. Why do that? Why do that and not attack? That was what Zidane wondered. As Drake’s lifeless body was so carelessly dropped at the man’s side. There wasn’t even a pause, the momentum from Drake’s attack was still with him, yet it was as if there was no weight behind it at all to the man… like he didn’t feel it..

His frigid silver eyes seemed to strike out at Zidane with that glance. There was a statement to every action that screamed for attention and Zidane was sure of it. A statement that said there was no hope... “I see you.” the statement declared, “I see you, and I know what you have been up to. I know you’re helping him and you think you can defeat me. I think you are a joke, Terran. You are alone out here and I am the king of this world. I am between you and your girl and I just killed your only connection to my world of darkness. You will die, your friends will die, and I will be responsible for all of it.” It was a paralyzing thought… He couldn’t just run away. He wasn’t afraid like that… He was afraid for his life, yes, but he was also concerned about his friends. Garnet, Steiner, Beatrix, Lana… they were all close by and Eclipse knew it! Ruby’s Mini-Theater… anyone could be there! What would happen to them now? … He’d have to attack. Even if he died trying, Zidane couldn’t just let it all happen…

But then… Drake moved. Apparently, his lifeless corpse wasn’t so lifeless. And as if to prove it was him, the first thing he did was complain. “That hurt!”

Zidane was stunned. He kept thinking how impossible that was, but a flash in Drake’s red eyes got his mind back on track. Standing there looking stunned wasn’t helping, he needed to go! As quickly as possible, Zidane bolted to his Jet and took off.

It took Drake a few seconds to remember and then figure out what had happened. He had been running, he had his target…Then the world went black and he woke up with stabbing pain shooting up and down his back. He growled as he got up.

“I said, that is enough!” Eclipse warned.

Drake instantly backed down. Any courage he had gained that night was shattered into pieced by this event… in less than a minute, Eclipse has completely knocked him out of the game and that left Zidane vulnerable… they had lost in a matter of seconds.

No, Drake told himself. Get over it! This wasn’t the real battle! “I had him!” Drake shouted, keeping up the act that this attack hadn’t been meant for Eclipse.

“I know, but it isn’t time.”

“When is the time?” Drake wondered aloud. “He was right there… and I had him!”

“I will tell you when…”

Another day, another chance and another failure. That was all Drake could think about. It was a depressing topic he swiftly sought to change, and as he followed Eclipse back to the palace something mildly interesting occurred. Both Beatrix and Steiner had left the palace. They really were on Zidane’s side. He smirked at Beatrix as he went past. These heroes… they sure did stick together. There was no way they could make up an excuse for why they had left the party. They were the main guards for the Queen and Princess…

Though, there was a problem there. Garnet was left alone… they thought she was the enemy… That might put her in danger.

I’ll need to do something about that… perhaps it’s time to get those guards away from her.

“I’m finished with this.” Eclipse stated, suddenly.

Drake’s attention snapped back to the silver-eyed man.

“I’m going back to the Veşnic Viaţă. Do not wander off and make sure people see you in the palace. We don’t need them starting rumors about what happened and why.”

“Understood, sir.” Drake replied.

“Good.” Eclipse headed off to the airship and Drake headed into the palace, trying to think in his next move.

It was looking so bad again. He had been so ready… had his error really been going out too soon? If he had waited, would they really have won? … This really was a suicide mission. He needed to work harder. He wasn’t proving himself very well. Drake wasn’t used to working in a team and that was overly apparent tonight… and it may very well have killed them.

I have to do better. I must do better…